The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Aug 7, 2023

Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism

The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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  • Subjects = African American student movements
  • Subjects = Race discrimination
  • Subjects = Groups and organizations
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her sister Mary Ann Smith from York County Jail. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter From Ruby Doris Smith to Her Sister Mary Ann Smith, February 25, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-25
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her sister Mary Ann Smith from York County Jail. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Riders, June 2, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Fayette, Haywood Counties, February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Demographic surveys, Race discrimination, Voter registration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Doing What Comes Naturally", February 4, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-04
Description
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, February 1961
Date Created
1961-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 28, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-28
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder", 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Don't Shop Downtown", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A man and a woman sit at an otherwise empty lunch counter.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Couple Sitting at Lunch Counter, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
A man and a woman sit at an otherwise empty lunch counter.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Men and women stand outside of a county jail and sign a document.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Group Outside a County Jail, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Men and women stand outside of a county jail and sign a document.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes amalgamation from November 1960 and a statement from February 1961 about jailing. Includes call for member meeting. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes amalgamation from November 1960 and a statement from February 1961 about jailing. Includes call for member meeting. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Liaison Committee individual and organization volunteer form. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Adult Student Liaison Committee Volunteer Form, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Atlanta Student Liaison Committee individual and organization volunteer form. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Students Assemble on AU campus for 2nd Mass Sit-in gather on a lawn.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Students Assemble on AU campus for 2nd Mass Sit-in, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Students Assemble on AU campus for 2nd Mass Sit-in gather on a lawn.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Inquirer Speaks", by M. Carl Holman, December 31, 1961
Date Created
1960-12-31
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-24
Description
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-17
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Fred C. Bennette, Jr. on behalf of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights to "All College Student Body Presidents" asking to report on the names of delegates and alternates from the schools to COAHR. Request to Interdenominational Theological Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to College Student Body Presidents From Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, December 13,
Date Created
1960-12-13
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Correspondence from Fred C. Bennette, Jr. on behalf of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights to "All College Student Body Presidents" asking to report on the names of delegates and alternates from the schools to COAHR. Request to Interdenominational Theological Center. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notice of the Executive Committee's meeting at Providence Baptist Church. The list of members includes Herschelle Sullivan, Mary Ann Smith, Johnny Bullock, Daniel Mitchell, Benjamin Brown, Morris Dillard, Robert Felder, Norma J. Wilson, and Amous Brown. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Executive Committee Meeting Notice, December 13, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-13
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notice of the Executive Committee's meeting at Providence Baptist Church. The list of members includes Herschelle Sullivan, Mary Ann Smith, Johnny Bullock, Daniel Mitchell, Benjamin Brown, Morris Dillard, Robert Felder, Norma J. Wilson, and Amous Brown. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Fred C. Bennette, Jr. on behalf of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights to "All College Student Body Presidents" asking to report on the names of delegates and alternates from the schools to COAHR. Request to Morehouse College with responses written on the document. Delegates are Johnny Bullock, Amor Brown, and Charles Lyles. Alternate delegates are Charles Black and Harold Middlebrook. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to College Student Body Presidents From Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, December 13,1
Date Created
1960-12-13
Author
Bennette, Jr., Fred C.
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Correspondence from Fred C. Bennette, Jr. on behalf of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights to "All College Student Body Presidents" asking to report on the names of delegates and alternates from the schools to COAHR. Request to Morehouse College with responses written on the document. Delegates are Johnny Bullock, Amor Brown, and Charles Lyles. Alternate delegates are Charles Black and Harold Middlebrook. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism